US Bans Foreign Routers Import Over Security Concerns

Key Takeaways

1. Most US networking brands produce their products outside the country, primarily in Mexico.
2. Starlink is currently the only US brand manufacturing networking gear domestically.
3. The FCC has identified foreign-produced routers as a supply chain vulnerability and cybersecurity risk.
4. The sale of foreign-made routers in the US is now prohibited, requiring new models to undergo an approval process.
5. A ban on foreign-made drones will be enforced by the end of 2025 for similar security concerns.

While many US brands are part of the networking scene, a large majority of their products are produced outside the country, or at best, in Mexico. Notable brands like Cisco, Netgear, and Arris/Motorola are currently manufacturing their routers in Mexico. Interestingly, even the well-known Chinese brand TP-Link is producing its routers for the US market there. However, as of now, the only US brand producing networking gear domestically is Starlink. This situation might change with the recent ruling by the Federal Communications Commission.

FCC’s Important Findings

The key takeaway from the FCC’s fact sheet released yesterday is the following: “The Executive Branch determination noted that foreign-produced routers (1) introduce “a supply chain vulnerability that could disrupt the U.S. economy, critical infrastructure, and national defense” and (2) pose “a severe cybersecurity risk that could be leveraged to immediately and severely disrupt U.S. critical infrastructure and directly harm U.S. persons.””

As a result, the sale of foreign-made routers in the US is now prohibited, and new models must go through the necessary approval process before they can be imported. Those currently using foreign-made routers can keep using them, but these devices are now seen as a security concern, even in private homes.

Impact on Drone Regulations

At the end of 2025, the US also imposed a ban on foreign-made drones for similar reasons. Aside from the brands mentioned that are produced in Mexico, a majority of the internet routers used in US households come from Taiwan or China.

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